Archive

Prototype is powered by a next generation Kubota Spark Ignition series engine and can run on LPG

Kubota, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, today announces the reveal of the KX019-4 LPG (Liquid Petrol Gas) mini excavator prototype. This model can run on LPG and is powered by a next generation Kubota Spark Ignition series engine.

The new KX019-4 LPG makes it
possible for users to work in emission restricted
access areas such as cities applying diesel-bans, and also generates less noise
emissions. Using the industrial standard gas bottles available everywhere, the
machine is easily and quickly refuelled by replacing the bottle. The machine is
equipped with a reserve tank (gas accumulator) so that the operator can notice
before the gas bottle becomes empty.

The performance
characteristics of KX019-4 LPG is exactly the same as the diesel powered KX019.
The excavator’s undercarriage is variable, which allows operators to enter into
areas with less than a metre of access. This machine does not compromise on the
level of stability and security required due to an enlarged lower frame.
Furthermore, the working range of KX019-4 LPG provides an operational amplitude
and guarantees a maximum digging depth of over two and a half metres which is
sufficient for urban applications.

The KX019-4 LPG has been
unveiled at Bauma,
the world’s leading construction machinery trade fair in Munich. Along with in
market testing of this prototype model, Kubota will continue to research into
alternative fuelled solutions.

Keigo Watanabe, Vice President
Sales and Marketing Business Unit, CE Kubota Holdings Europe B.V comments: “We
are delighted to be unveiling Kubota’s latest solution for urban site managers
and workers who are required to respond to the recent anti -diesel restrictions,
in form of the KX019-4 LPG at Bauma. The development of this model is the
answer from Kubota to the current anti-diesel trend, in which economy,
practicality and environmental issues are all integrated. This machine, powered
by the Kubota SI engine, will bring the most productive solution to urban work
sites without having a considerable impact on the investment, or loss of
productivity due to the refuelling time, while delivering high performance and
quality of ‘Kubota’. We are looking forward to receiving customer feedback on
the stand at Bauma”.
For more information on the rest of the Kubota
construction machinery range, please contact your local authorised Kubota
dealer or visit https://kuk.kubota-eu.com/constructionmachinery

The construction industry takes great care in
protecting staff from visible risks, ensuring all precautions are taken to
maintain the physical wellbeing of its workers.

Despite this, construction is still one of the
most dangerous sectors to work in thanks to the big presence of a risk that
isn’t visible: employee mental health.

“Safety is one of the biggest concerns in the
construction industry,” says Daniel Ure from online PPE retailer Vizwear,
“and since one of the biggest risks to workers in construction today is that
posed by mental health problems, addressing them needs to be at the top of an
employer’s list of priorities.”

“Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma around
this topic, which causes too many people to keep their issues to themselves.
This can lead to disastrous consequences, which is why it’s so important for
employers to protect their staff.”

The state of mental health in
construction

In the UK, mental health issues lead to over
70 million sick days per year. Whether it’s anxiety, depression or stress,
mental health causes more sick days than any other health condition and costs
our economy between £70 billion and £100 billion each year.

However, struggles with mental health can have
much more serious ramifications. — and in no other industry is that quite so
evident as in construction.

Data from the Office of National Statistics found that
between 2011 and 2015, the highest number of suicides were found in skilled
construction workers. With over 1400 in-work suicides, this sector makes up over
13% of those recorded, despite construction only accounting for 7% of the UK
workforce.

Construction News created a survey along with Mind Matters to identify any
changes to mental health in construction between 2017-2018. Although 67% of
respondents believe awareness has improved over this period, the results show
no real improvement to mental health in the industry and that 81% believe there
is still a stigma.

Why construction?

And with men making up 89% of the workforce, this is a particularly
problematic issue for the construction industry.

The working lifestyle of a construction worker
can take its toll. Workers will often work long, demanding hours and can spend
their days away from home for weeks at a time. Without a private, safe space to
unwind, all the stresses of work add up and make it difficult to switch off.

The working environment — where speaking about emotional or mental
issues has historically been stigmatized— is also to blame, as the ‘macho’
image of construction workers makes it difficult to talk about mental health.

Thankfully, there are a number of positive
initiatives employers can take, as well as registered charities and support
groups dedicated to the wellbeing of construction workers.

What are the signs?

Unlike physical injuries, mental health issues
are difficult to spot and are often kept secret.

Thankfully, there are a few common telltale
signs when someone is struggling with their mental health:

They find it difficult to
problem-solve

They are easily distracted and are
less productive than usual

They lack self-confidence

They are easily agitated and
create conflict amongst co-workers

They feel easily overwhelmed

They are increasingly late or
absent from work

They often isolate themselves from
others

What can employers do?

The best way for the construction industry to
tackle the importance of employee mental health is from the top. Business
owners and management need to implement the same safety standards they take
towards physical health and safety and use them to safeguard mental health.

There are a number of steps that managers can
take to create a positive work environment for their staff so that mental
health can be comfortably addressed, rather than hidden away.

1. Create a supportive culture

The first step for a manager is to evaluate
the culture of their workforce to detect any potential pain points for staff.
This can range from employee workloads to how staff communicate with each other
throughout the business.

By putting their business under a microscope,
managers can build a strong, supportive work culture from the ground up. This
will help to establish mental wellbeing as a crucial value of the company,
meaning open discussions about employee mental health will become the norm.

2. Educate employees

By making education a priority, employers can
help to remove the stigma of mental health and ensure their staff understand
the negative impacts that can affect anyone.

This can range from providing easily
accessible information for your staff to hiring third-party organisations, such
as Mates in
Mind, to come in for regular staff training days.

With a team of knowledgable employees, a
company will find it easier to combat any dangers and empower their staff to
support each other when facing difficulties with their mental health. Improving
awareness creates more opportunities to spot early signs of coworkers
struggling and creates an overall healthier workplace environment.

3. Be open and available

Mental health is a private matter to many
people, which makes it difficult to speak about openly. Without establishing a
clear and open line of communication, it’s much more likely that workers will
keep their troubles to themselves.

By letting employees know that they always
have someone to talk to, they are much more likely to come out of their shell
and identify any health problems like anxiety or depression early enough to put
in place counteractive measures.

It can be difficult in construction as
employees don’t often have a static working environment, so site managers
should take it upon themselves to establish regular catch ups with staff to
evaluate their wellbeing.

4. Be vigilant

Tackling mental health takes a lot more than
running a one-off seminar. Many mental health issues take time to be resolved,
which means companies need to be aware of their staff’s needs all year round.

By continuing to offer training, guidance and
support to their employees, mental health care will be embedded into a
companies culture and will become a natural part of its safety protocol – not
just ticking a box on a form.

5. Put a support system in place

Spotting the early signs is important, yet
employers also need to ensure they create a safety net for their staff.
Companies need to make sure that helpful information is readily available for
employees so that anyone struggling with their mental health knows where to
turn to receive support through services like counselling and therapy.

Resources

When it comes to protecting your employees’
mental health, there are a number of resources available for extra support.

As of January 2017, the Health in Construction
Leadership Group (HCLG) established Mates in Mind, its own registered charity
whose sole purpose is to raise awareness and provide support for the mental
wellbeing of construction workers.

Mates in Mind have a goal to reach 75% of the
construction industry by 2025 and offer training courses based on four key
elements: Awareness & Education, Guidance & Support, Communication and
Research & Development.

If you work in construction and need urgent
help or support in regards to your mental health, there are also a number of
confidential services and advice lines available:

Construction
Industry Helpline 0345 605 1956 – Provided by the Lighthouse
Construction Industry Charity, the helpline advises on a range of matters
including occupational health and wellbeing, support and advice for people with
stress The services can also provide emergency financial aid to the
construction community in times of crisis.

Samaritans
116 123 – Confidential 24-hour support for people who are experiencing feelings
of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts

“Despite construction’s reputation for poor
mental health, there are actually a lot of support systems in place to help
protect the workers,” says Daniel from Vizwear.

“Communication is still the biggest obstacle
between employees and management, which is why confidential advice lines are so
important. By giving construction workers the opportunity to discuss their
mental health in a supportive environment, they can take positive steps without
the need to speak publicly.

“If more workers make use of these services,
they will feel more comfortable speaking to their employers about their mental
health, which is the first step to making real change in the industry.”

Meta

About The UK Construction Blog - www.ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Welcome to The UK Construction Blog, a place where contributors are able to post news, comments, products and relevant information about the UK Construction Industry. We update the blog daily with latest news and information related to the Survey, Design and Construction in the Building Industry and anything relevant.